Family Support Groups

Family support groups for those struggling with FASD around the world observe FASDay on Sept. 9 every year, each in their own way. The Pregnant Pause style event was first created by NOFAS-UK in London, England. Let us know about your support group so others can find you. Tell us where and when you meet; fees, if any; child care, if any.

Canada

Alberta

Edmonton & Area
Coaching Families: Goals: build on family strengths; ensure that children are in a safe and stable environment; increase understanding and knowledge of FASD; provide strategies to decrease risk of secondary disabilities.
For info – Miranda.zetsen@cssalberta.ca or 780-785-7640

Calgary
Parent Support Association of Calgary (PSA) www.psa.alberta.ca/support groups
PSA provides guidance for parents, caregivers and professionals who are interested in learning more about FASD and FASD services. They provide resources, support groups, education, referrals and short-term support to families and children with diagnosed or suspected FASD. There is currently no cost to become a member of PSA groups.

PSA membership provides: FASD Peer Support Groups offering structured peer support group meetings specifically for parents and caregivers of youth and young adults with FASD, regardless of whether it has been formally diagnosed or not. The FASD Parent Advocate is available to support group members in planning for and attending meetings with professionals, as well as offering additional resources. Family therapy referrals to Hull Psychological Services are available for group members.

Grande PrairieNorth West FASD Network: There is a Community Resource Advocate at our Network, as well as a mobile Diagnostics Clinic.
Our Network phone number: (780) 830-7059 and our website: www.nwfasdnetwork.com.

Three HillsThe Three Hills FASD Working GroupFor info: Val McCallum at vglorie2@eastlink.ca

British Columbia

LangleyFASD Group for Foster & Adoptive Parents.
For info – Jamie at 604-530-5917

BurlingtonBurlington/Oakville FASD Parent/Caregiver Support GroupHalton Parent/Caregiver Support GroupIf you are parenting or caring for a child, youth or adult living with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, please come share your experiences, wisdom and knowledge. This is an opportunity for us all to learn from one another.Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 1299 Brant Street, Burlington, ON

Meetings run the fourth Tuesday of each month from 6:30 – 9:00 p.m. Facebook page: Halton FASD Parent/Caregiver Support Group. For more information or to register: Mary Ann at mbunkowsky@cogeco.ca or call 905-332-0402

Guelph FASD Family support Groups: (Group divided on age of child) 4th Wednesday of the month. shiona.watson@cogeco.ca

Guelph Wellington FASD Action Group: 519-821-8089 (565)

HamiltonFASworld Hamilton Parent & Caregiver Support Group: meets on the last Saturday of the month (except for holidays) from 1000 – 1200 at The Community Centre, 2-64 Elite Drive, Hamilton. For info: hamilton.fasd@gmail.com or 905-628-0055. Check our website for meeting location during warm weather months: www.hamiltonfasdsupport.ca.
The Support Group supports parents and caregivers and adults and children with FASD. We strive to provide assistance by sharing successful approaches, including communication, understanding, education, resources, and information to allow parents and care-givers to support those affected by FASD in a non-judgmental manner. The group openly shares information, providing their experience and knowledge.

North BayFetal Alcohol support and Information Centre
Contact: cousineauelaine@gmail.com

OttawaThe FASD Group of Ottawa: meets monthly from October to June on the first Wednesday of the month at 7 pm at citizen Advocacy, 312 Parkdale. For information please call Elspeth Ross at 613-446-4144 or rosse@ncf.ca.

St. CatherinesFASworld Niagara: 1st Monday of the month at 7:30 – 9:30 PM at the Salvation Army St. Catharines, 400 Niagara Street. Call Dianne for info at 905-563-5619; fasworldniagara@gmail.com ; www.fasworldfassupportgroupofniagara.weebly.com

St. ThomasElgin-St. Thomas FASD Parent Support Group
Contact: dane_white@rogers.com

Toronto & GTAFASworld Toronto: 3rd Saturday of the month from 1000 to Noon at The Peoples Church (except holiday weekends), 374 Sheppard Ave. E. (just west of Bayview/Sheppard Subway Station). All welcome – please call 416-264-8000 for info or contact Michelle at mtodorow@yorku.ca.

Toronto FASD Partnership Caregiver Support Group: 2nd Wednesday of the month at CCAS East, 1880 Birchmount Road (south of 401) in Scarborough, ON from 6:30 PM to 8:30. This group is open only to Foster, Kin or Adoptive parents. No child care but support provided if sitter needed. No fees and refreshments provided. For more info: Erin Sclisizzi (CCAS) at 416-395-1769, e.sclisizzi@torontoccas.org or Janet McShane (CAS) at jmcshane@torontocas.org, 416-924-4640 (3555).

FASD Parent Association of Toronto, Support Through EducationContact: smhfasdsupport@aol.com

WindsorWindsor-Essex FASD Support Group
Contact: Susan Smith, 519-776-6891 or 519-817-6687

Saskatchewan

Saskatoon
FASD Lane is a place for adults with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS), Fetal Alcohol Effects (FAE), or any of the disorders defined as Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). A diagnosis is not required to be part of this group, just a reasonable suspicion that symptoms may be caused by prenatal exposure to alcohol.

http://fasdlane.com

Club COSTA – Circle of Support for Teens and Adults with FASD. If you’d like to start your own local group, here is how we did it: http://fasdlane.com/COSTA.html

Peer Support Meetings – June 10th & August 12th
Participating in peer support with someone else living with FASD can teach you different strategies and coping techniques you may not think of on your own. Join us for a peer support meeting and discover how it could help you.

Family Support Meetings – June 17th & August 19th
On the 3rd Wednesday of every month, the FASD Network holds a Family Support Meeting. We invite caregivers supporting individuals living with FASD in Saskatoon and area to join us.

USA

California

Manhattan Beach
The Southern California FASD Information & Support Network is a resource for parents, caregivers, advocates, educators and treatment professionals of persons who have been diagnosed with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) or anyone who is suspected of being affected by FASD. It is also useful for students or professionals who are interested in the challenges faced by families affected by these conditions.
http://www.facebook.com/groups/SoCalFASDNetwork

San Diego
SoCal NOFAS and Southern California FASD Support Network is hosting a monthly parent support group meeting the 2nd Tuesday of every month.

Nebraska

Hay Springs
SNAAP (Special Needs Advocates and Parents) is a 501(c)(3) dedicated to the prevention and awareness of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) and other Behavioral Disorders.

SNAAP
SNAAP2010@groups.facebook.com
P.O. Box 367
Hay Springs NE 69347

North Carolina

Pittsboro
FAFASD.org Our mission:
• to raise awareness about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD);
• provide education, support, and research-based training to parents raising children with FASD; and
• to break down the barriers that have prevented the #1 cause of intellectual disability and developmental delay in North America from becoming widely understood by parents and caregivers, doctors, therapists, mental health professionals, teachers, and the general public.

South Dakota

Rapid City
Roots to Wings Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Support Group

We are a support group for people affected by FASD. Founded to support the families who are raising children prenatally affected by drugs and alcohol to provide support and training. This group is open to all who are affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. Find us on Facebook.

International

Australia

Mackay, Queensland
RFFADA – Parents and Carers Group

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a brain injury resulting from alcohol consumption during pregnancy. It is a not for profit health promotion charity dedicated to ensuring that individuals affected prenatally by alcohol have access to diagnostic services, support & multidisciplinary management planning & that carers & parents are supported with the ‘no blame no shame’ ethos.